Snow Day Activities – Bringing the Outdoors In!
The best snow days are the kind where kids can’t wait to get outside and play. But, after the snowball fights have been had….
And the snow angels have been made…
What more is there to do?
Or, what if your day is something like this…
You may not be able to tell from the photo – but blustery winds really kicked up the COLD factor in Idaho recently, complete with the occasional bursts of ice crystals to the face. Conditions caused schools to close and the kids to get a snow day! If conditions outside force you indoors, or if the kids get too cold or wet from outdoor play but still want to play with the snow, why not try bringing a little bit of the outdoors… in?
That’s what we did on the recent snow day and my kids LOVED it. Surprisingly, it was not messy! If you prepare properly, hours of fun can be had. Here’s an idea of what you will need:
First, cover the table with a clean tarp or old sheets. Next, place an assortment of metal pans and bowls along with some measuring cups, measuring spoons, ice cream scoops and other types of spoons on the table. Here’s a closer look at some of the utensils we used:
If your kids are anything like mine and can’t resist eating snow, place some clean bowls outside to collect fresh snow (not dirty stuff in contact with the ground or who-knows-what)!
My daughter dug right in with scoops and barely made it a minute without sneaking some bites.
My son went to work creating a “snowman family” complete with acorn hats we had collected on nature walks in the fall.
If you dare, let the kids use food coloring to tint the snow. My daughter finally settled on making snow “cupcakes” and loved turning them all different colors.
The snowmen got some final touches from seeds, twigs, and chocolate chip buttons.
If you stay outside to build a snowman, dilute drops of food coloring in a spray bottle filled with water to give your snow person some pizazz. That’s what my sis-in-law did with this cutie below. (Thanks for the photo, Shelly!)
Another thing to do with snow indoors is…. Make Snow Cones!
I had snow cone cups on hand, but you can use small bowls or cups instead. Remember the bowls we set out in the snow to catch the clean stuff earlier? Use this snow to make your snow cones and let the kids have at it. We used orange and grape juice to flavor the snow.
Our indoor snow day was a huge success and earned two thumbs up from the kids.
Whether you play with snow outdoors or in, chances are you’ll get a chill. And everyone knows that the very best way to end the day is with a nice cup of cocoa! Try this creamy crock pot hot chocolate by Nicolette for a big batch, or check out these topping ideas from Cristi for individual mugs. Snuggle up by a fire if you can…
And stay cozy!
What do you think – is bringing snow inside crazy or fun?
What do you do on a snow day when kids are mostly cooped up inside? I’d love to hear more ideas!
Sara says
That sounds fun!
Stephanie says
Thanks Sara! It really was fun… I even got into it!
Diann Mullani says
Steph…
I love how you give all these great ideas and show how to entertain kids in such an economical EASY way! Purchased children’s snowcone machines are ridiculously high…and how fun to create your very OWN INDOOR Snow! 🙂 I can see the grandkids love it! 😀
Stephanie says
They thought it was the bees knees! Just another way to play with pots & pans & such 🙂
Rachel says
Snow days!! I love snow days 🙂 And how cute is that colorful snowman?! I’m dying – I love it.
Stephanie says
I love it too! My sister in law made him – I want him in my yard!!
Ashley g says
Love these ideas. So fun. Wish we had snow. Maybe ill make the mini snowmen with my snow cone machine.
Stephanie says
I LOVE that idea, Ashley! I don’t have one of those machines so I’m curious, is it easy to make a big bowl full (or two) of snow? When we lived in Hawaii, my kids would scatter cotton batting all around the floor and pretend it was snow, or dump styrofoam packing peanuts on the floor to make snow angels in! Kids just love snow and their creativity – with real or pretend snow – never ceases to amaze me.
Nicolette says
Reminds me of making snow cones as a kid! Love it!
Stephanie says
Did you use real snow too? I never did! I have to say, in the spirit of the “Being a Yes Mom” post (https://howdoesshe.com/being-a-yes-mom/), this snow day was a great one with my kids and I certainly learned all the wonder and fun I was missing out on by NOT entering my children’s world more often. It was very rewarding!
Brittany says
So cute:) Will need to try this.
Shelly Mullani-Moore says
I love the little snowman families…and Snoopy! How adorable is that! I wanna snowcone please 🙂
Stephanie says
Hee hee- I guess that one smowman does kinda have a snoopy snout 🙂
Peggy says
What great ideas to do with your kids or Grandkids!!!!!!!! Love them..
Stephanie says
Thanks Peggy! Hope you get the chance to try ’em out!
Molly says
I miss growing up in Chicago having snow days! They were the best. Ever make snow cream? Ice cream made from snow! Mix milk or 1/2 and 1/2 with sugar, vanilla and of course SNOW and you have yummy homemade ice cream! Enjoy some snow for me!
Stephanie says
I grew up in Minnesota and can’t believe that I never made snow cream – thanks for the tip! if it snows again this year in Idaho I’ll try it with my kids. I can already tell you, they’ll think it’s the greatest thing ever!
janelle says
Cant wait to try these in my kindergarten class this year! Thanks for the awesome ideas! On a side note….. what camera do you use for all the pictures? they turn out beautiful!
Stephanie says
Hi Janelle-
Happy that you appreciate the pictures! My camera is a Nikon D5000. I’m not sure if they even make that model anymore. It’s about 5 years old. Anyway, have fun with this project in your kinder class!
Stephanie